Most of the top iPhone games are also great iPad games, but that is because the tablet’s expanded screen real estate gives them a better experience. With the space, it does not feel like mobile gaming and that is why the iPad is the smartphone of choice for mobile gamers. From thrilling races, and emotional journeys, all the way down to terrifying monsters, the ever-growing platform library offers players everything. As iOS devices develop, they open the door to their AAA gaming, with superior visuals and complex mechanics put right in your fist. No matter how much, the best iPad games have still stayed in between $2 downloads, in-app purchases, and Apple Arcade subscriptions.
Even better? They do not have to cost a fortune to be some of the best. There are many free iPad games to enjoy if you do not have money. Looking to get into a roll of iPad gaming for the best iPad experience? We have got you covered, with a carefully curated list of must-play games for 2024. If you are in a rush to journey through the city or travel through a weird, whimsical world, these are great titles for your Apple tablet: whether on the go or on a long trip.
Games That Redefine iPad Play
Before the iPhone’s App Store revolutionized mobile gaming, most mobile titles were unremarkable. Entertainment source-wise games were less of a go-to and more of a last resort. Today, fast forward, the iPad is the gaming device to beat. But it plays the best mobile games on a better-sized screen with better controls. But it is remarkable because iPads are now powerful enough to compete with small portable gaming computers.
The amount of games in the App Store may seem incredible, but not all are worth your time. Luckily, in that case, we have already done the heavy lifting and created a list of the best iPad games for 2024 so that you do not have to search through infinitely mediocre games.
Emotional Storytelling and Adventure
Hindsight:
The best iPad games make great use of the hardware, putting story over mind-bending mechanics. Well, have you ever had that kind of information available to you in hindsight and with the right kind of touch controls? The piece follows Mary as she works through what she feels after her abusive parent’s death. It is in this game, her memories, she takes you through the pain and gives you the pleasure of healing.
Night In The Woods:
Night in the Woods will hit you if you feel a disconnect between past and present if you have ever returned to your hometown. A light platforming central game where Mae drops out of college and comes home. Yet nothing is even half as she remembered. Hunting through the town of anthropomorphic animals, you feel nostalgic and afraid, finding glimpses of a lurking mystery that messes with her perception of what home is.
Journey:
Journey follows its name to the proverbial letter, exploring and discovering. Although there are no spoken words in this art piece, through visuals and music, it is so loud in this art piece. Of course, it also stands out for its multiplayer aspect (and the deep connection it forges without any words uttered): It is a random run into another player somewhere along the way. Of course, you are left reflective and musing over all of the metaphors on your way out.
Fast-Paced Fun for Gamers On-the-Go
MINIT:
Above all, not all games need lots of hours of gameplay. MINIT is perfect for busy players providing quick, satisfying bursts of gaming. Your character is cursed to die in 60 seconds in this retro style title. This is a charming, humorous twist that encourages efficiency, strategy, and creativity, so each play-through takes its own reward out of a tight time order.
Genshin Impact:
Genshin Impact is, arguably, one of the biggest mobile games, and it took the world by surprise in 2020 and is still trending. This free-to-play RPG features a massive open world, endless quests, and a beloved cast of characters. There’s nothing not to love here. While in-app purchases are available, you would not need to spend a dime to scour the game of all it has to offer.
Among Us:
One of those social games that you are really going to want on your iPad that is Among Us. That is endlessly entertaining: the thrill of hunting down impostors, looking for them among your crewmates. The best part? It is not just a game, it is a social experiment sandbox where your ability to read or deceiving, or feeding the truth at the right moment, matters for it to be a success.
Strategy and Competitive Play
Civilization VI:
Building an empire from scratch is something who would not want, isn’t it? Civilization VI lets you do that. If you love strategy games, however, the game is completely free for the first 60 turns; but is an incredibly worth its purchase. This game’s full cross-platform support and expansions will keep you playing this game over and over again as you lead your civilization through the ages.
Hearthstone:
Hearthstone is the very best card game for the iPad, and that synergy will be obvious to anyone who plays it. It is easy to learn, but deep enough that you will come back to rework your deck and climb the competitive ladder. Each match is fun and rich enough in strategy, without going overboard.
Call of Duty Mobile:
There is something surprisingly great to them about the touch controls with iPad for Call of Duty Mobile. You cannot truly enjoy this shooter to its fullest, however, without a controller but the large screen and very simple interface make this a very good mobile game. No matter if you are competing in standard multiplayer modes or if you are trying your hand in a battle royale, the adrenaline-pumping experience you will receive with Call of Duty Mobile will have you all the way on the edge of your seat.
The iPad is becoming an ever stronger force within mobile gaming, delivering a 2024 library of games that are increasingly incredible. No matter if you are craving a deep narrative to write about or you just want to play a quick round of competitive play, the best iPad games have hundreds of entertaining hours on offer.